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For more than two decades, LAWineFest organizers have poured their hearts and souls, along with countless glasses of wine, into creating a welcoming experience for wine enthusiasts at every level. No lengthy wine vocabulary is required. Whether someone knows the difference between tannins and terroir or simply prefers a little more rosé in the day, the festival is designed to make discovering wine approachable, educational and fun.
From crushed grapes to thundering hooves, LAWineFest is stomping into its 21st year September 12 and 13 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, where wine lovers can sip, swirl and explore their way through two full-bodied afternoons of wine, food, music and philanthropy.
Much like a good wine, LAWineFest has traveled before finding just the right place to settle. We first caught up with the festival in Downtown Los Angeles at ROW DTLA. It later moved to Long Beach, and now it is returning to central Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, giving the celebration room to breathe—and a chance to trade its sea legs for a saddle.
Photos courtesy LA WineFest
The new location blends Hollywood glamour with equestrian tradition on beautiful, tree-shaded grounds bordering Griffith Park. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center offers expansive open space, natural shade, sweeping mountain views and a relaxed outdoor setting that pairs nicely with just about any varietal.
The secluded yet centrally located destination is only minutes from Downtown Burbank and Los Angeles neighborhoods. It is home to numerous dressage, polo and competition events, as well as more than 500 beautiful horses. The center already attracts visitors who appreciate life’s finer luxuries, including fine wine and dining, making LAWineFest a natural addition to the stable.
Located between the 5 and 134 Freeways, the venue is easily accessible from Los Feliz, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Pasadena and surrounding communities. It may be difficult to find the perfect wine pairing for freeway traffic, but designated drivers, carpooling, rideshare services and public transportation are strongly encouraged.
Once inside, guests can taste exceptional wines from local wineries and producers from around the world. The thoughtfully curated weekend also includes craft brews, ciders and several nonalcoholic selections, offering plenty of choices for anyone who prefers to give the grapes a day off.
The tasting experience goes beyond what is inside the glass. Guests can enjoy live music by the Unofficial Slam Band, food trucks, other snacks and boutique shopping from artisan vendors. It is part wine tasting, part outdoor market and part grape escape—all taking place beneath the trees with Griffith Park and the surrounding mountains providing the backdrop.
“It’s exciting to bring the LAWineFest back to central Los Angeles just in time for harvest, and this beautiful location is perfect,” said LAWineFest Director Scherr Lillico. “We look forward to welcoming back old and new friends from the Westside, downtown, and the valleys and promise a memorable opportunity to check out both California and international wines. The LA Equestrian Center has opened their doors for this year’s Fest, and we thank them, along with MINI of Universal City, Ettore Wines, Splendor Water, Tanqueray Gin, Wine Spectator, Los Angeles Magazine and our other sponsors for their generous help in presenting our 21st annual Fest.”
Guests seeking the upper crust of the crush can enter the VIP Garden, a private, tree-covered area featuring more than a dozen boutique wineries producing fewer than 2,000 cases annually. Premium wineries will also showcase new varietals, giving curious palates an opportunity to discover wines that may not be lining every store shelf.
The VIP Garden includes a souvenir wine glass, tasty bites served with the wines, relaxed seating and dedicated restrooms. VIP guests will also receive a wine and culinary experience from sponsor Ettore Vino e Cucina. Premium water from exclusive event water partner and VIP sponsor Splendor Water will be available to complement the tasting experience.
Only 400 VIP All Access tickets will be sold each day. Saturday’s VIP experience typically sells out quickly, and Saturday VIP ticket holders may enter the festival one hour early at 1 p.m. There is no early admission on Sunday.
While the wine may take center stage, the weekend also pours support back into the community. LAWineFest has once again partnered with the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club to raise awareness and funds at a time when community support has become more important than ever throughout the city.
AHEAD With Horses joins the festival as a charitable partner this year. The local nonprofit works to improve the quality of life of disabled, disadvantaged and special-needs children through equine-assisted therapy using vaulting. Proceeds from VIP tickets will benefit both the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club and AHEAD With Horses.
Jennie Nevin, Executive Director of Business Development and Communications for LAEC, said the center is thrilled to welcome LAWineFest. She described LAEC as a destination where culture and entertainment come together and said hosting an event of this caliber reflects its mission to create unforgettable experiences that unite the community in Burbank and near Griffith Park.
General Admission tickets are $100 at the gate and include entry to the festival, sponsored by MINI of Universal City; a commemorative stemless glass to keep; unlimited wine and craft-brew tastings; award-winning water provided by Splendor Water; coffee; and the overall LAWineFest experience. Wineries and breweries reserve the right to limit consumption.
VIP Garden tickets are $150 at the gate and include everything offered with General Admission, plus access to boutique wineries producing fewer than 2,000 cases per year, premium wineries, the Ettore Vino e Cucina wine and culinary experience, seating and other VIP amenities.
Designated drivers can join their friends and enjoy the festival’s food, music, shopping and other amenities for $25. The designated-driver ticket does not include alcohol tastings, but somebody has to keep the day from ending on a sour note.
Parking must be purchased in advance because it will not be available for purchase at the venue on the day of the event. Onsite General Admission parking costs $25, while VIP onsite parking costs $35. Offsite parking is available for $16 and includes a shuttle option. Parking fees are separate from festival admission.
For those who would rather sleep off the bouquet than face the freeway, Hotel Burbank is the official hotel of LAWineFest. The hotel offers spacious rooms and stylish suites in Downtown Burbank, just a few minutes from the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.
There are a few legal bits that cannot be softened, even with a nice merlot. Everyone on the premises must be at least 21 years old. Infants are not permitted under ABC rules. Pets are also prohibited, with the exception of certified service animals trained to assist people with disabilities.
LAWineFest takes place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 12, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 13, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Saturday VIP ticket holders may enter at 1 p.m.
Tickets, parking information and an ever-growing list of participating wineries, breweries and shops are available at LAWineFest.com. Festival updates can also be found on Instagram at @LAWineFest.
